The Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has directed the State government to issue necessary instruction for media houses with regards to disclosure of child victims.
The Commission’s observation comes close on the heels of Dhenkanal district administration prohibiting entry of media professionals into schools. Later, it withdrew the notification following huge hue and cry over the issue.
“Children while studying in educational institutions such as school and anganwadi centres should not be disturbed unnecessarily for the sake of media coverage. Stringent action should be taken against individual and institutions violating the above legal provisions protecting child rights,” said Sandhyabati Pradhan, Chairperson of OSCPCR in a letter addressed to Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, State Chief Secretary.
